Author Topic: Scoping your H&R/NEF  (Read 1988 times)

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Offline carbineman

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Scoping your H&R/NEF
« on: February 27, 2010, 01:19:58 PM »
What is your favorite scope for the H&R/NEF single shot?

I have for the most part used the Weaver 1-3x20mm and now with older eyes, I'm going for a bit more magnification with the 1-4 or 1.5-5 Leupold in 20mm. I have found the Leupold to be just right on magnification and the ocular bell is the right size to make the scope fit without modifying the hammer or any other special attention.

I purchased two of the Leupolds used for a great price for a Leupy but the last two I purchased were new and even though they were the shotgun VX1 they still cost 200 dollars (ouch)

I have a .223 Ultra that has a 6-18x50 Banner but that one only goes to the bench and back. Recently traded for a ought six barrel and I have a 1.75-5x20mm Tasco World Class to put on it cause it won't see the woods either unless someday I go west to hunt.

I don't have near the numbers of rifles/shotguns you guys have, but I'm wondering if any other good specimens exist with a small ocular bell, with around the 4 power magnification?

Offline PowPow

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2010, 01:34:04 PM »
Banners - 1.5x4.5 on a 30-30, 4-12x40AO on 223, and a loose 6-24x40AO to mount for load developement.
Banners and NEFs go together like jeans and t-shirts.
Have a Swift fixed 4x40 on a 30-06 barrel only because Bushnell does not make a fixed 4 with 150 yd parallax.


The difference between people who do stuff and people who don't do stuff is that the people who do stuff do stuff.

Offline petemi

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2010, 01:38:18 PM »
Hi, carbineman.  I mostly hunt.  I punch holes in paper just to sight in.  A 20 or 32mm. scope just doesn't work for me.  I hunt in dark woods, dusk and dawn and in emergencys at night.  I use mostly 3-9X50 scopes.  They admit more light, and give me 2 -300 yard capeablity under most conditions.  I'm not meaning to sound rude, but a cheap Tasco 3-9x40 or 50 would work better for me than any 300 dollar 20mm scope.  If you're going to hunt with a scope, under possibly adverse conditions, get a bigger objective lens.

Pete
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2010, 01:42:44 PM »
Pete,
 Same story here, I shoot on the range to site in.... My guns are for hunting.
 Cheap optics with large objectives are in no way equal to a quality scope with smaller objectives. They simply cannot allow the light thru there lenses for there lesser quality.
 Some European scopes have very large objectives for the purposes your speaking about. But that's a big objective WITH hi quality glass and hi quality coatings, specifically designed to work in very lo light conditions. The are not in any way similar to a 50-100$ scope with a 40-50MM objective. I doubt that that scope would transmit the light of a quality scope with a 20MM objective.
 Look at it this way. The scope is what we use cause we can no longer see the sites, can't see the sites, you can't shoot accurately. Choose a poor quality scope and how do you expect to gain that accuracy back? Your buying a poor quality scope to make up for poor quality eyes. Doesn't make much sense to me.... Buy the best scope you can afford, you will never regret the purchase.



For me there is but one favorite... LEUPOLD 2x7x33 VX II

I have cheaper scopes and I have more expensive scopes. This one is my favorite!

CW
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2010, 01:54:19 PM »
I got a new favorite(for right now!! ;D), the Leupold VX-II Ultralight 3-9x33 with wide duplex, got it for $320 from Midsouth, at 8.8oz  it's going on the 260 Rem Superlight in extra low Burris Zee rings, I'm swapping the hammer out for an old style hammer with the low spur and a model 94 hammer extension. It will be mounted on a modified Weaver #62 base which doesn't fit the contour of the H&R chambers, but does now after I changed the contour with a little sanding with a 1.1" drum sander and will be bedded in JB Weld, I just finished putting the new mounting holes in it yesterday afternoon, the mini-mill is paying for itself slowly!!  ;D

Tim
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Offline Jon in TN

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2010, 02:04:56 PM »
I have a 2-7x? Tasco World Class on the 44 mag, a 3-9x40 Banner on the 7mm-08, 4-12x40 Pentax on the 25-06, and 4-12x40 Rifleman on the 223. They are all on Low rings with hammer spurs. You can barely slide a piece of paper between the scope and the hammer, but all that matters is they don't touch and they are low as you can go.

I bought a 1-4 Leupold for the 44 and traded it off.. I'd rather use open sights or a red dot than anything smaller than a 2-7..

Offline carbineman

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #6 on: February 27, 2010, 02:18:57 PM »
I got a new favorite(for right now!! ;D), the Leupold VX-II Ultralight 3-9x33 with wide duplex, got it for $320 from Midsouth, at 8.8oz  it's going on the 260 Rem Superlight in extra low Burris Zee rings, I'm swapping the hammer out for an old style hammer with the low spur and a model 94 hammer extension. It will be mounted on a modified Weaver #62 base which doesn't fit the contour of the H&R chambers, but does now after I changed the contour with a little sanding with a 1.1" drum sander and will be bedded in JB Weld, I just finished putting the new mounting holes in it yesterday afternoon, the mini-mill is paying for itself slowly!!  ;D

Tim
Tim those lightweight scopes are my favorites also. I will check out the scope you mentioned. Will that T type hammer extension fit on a present day hammer? I never tried one on the newer frames. I have used the #62 base as well and it seemed to fit the 20 ga. Tracker II shotgun barrels, but as you stated need just a little touching up to fit my Toppers.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2010, 02:32:35 PM »
The Weaver #62 contour is made for bigger radius than the H&R barrels which are 1.1", so even on the Tracker II which has the same chamber swell diameter as any other barrel except the 10ga based barrels,  only makes contact in the middle of the base with no support on either side. I remedied that by milling a shallow 5/16" groove down the middle, then sanding the contour to match the 1.1" barrel. The M94 hammer extension is threaded 4-48, all I did was anneal the spur on the old style hammer, then drill and tap it as shown in the low profile hammer mods in the FAQs.  ;)

Tim

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Offline LAB55

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2010, 03:34:35 PM »
Has anyone tried the new Redfield scopes?

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #9 on: February 27, 2010, 03:38:55 PM »
We can only hunt from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, and even my old Weaver K 2.5's allow me to see at that time.  I have a bunch of the 20mm tubes on my Handi's as well as several levers and have no problem using them.  But I will admit my Nikons and Leupolds, 20mm, are brighter in the dim light.  DP
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #10 on: February 27, 2010, 03:41:56 PM »
Has anyone tried the new Redfield scopes?


I've got a 3-9x40 with the standard reticle, but haven't used it yet, looks like it'll be a great budget offering IF the price stays the same.

Tim

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Offline Spanky

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #11 on: February 27, 2010, 03:45:31 PM »
I have been putting 2.5x20 Simmons on my Handi's. I can use low rings and mount the scope in front of the hammer. I don't need alot of scope for my hunting.



Spanky

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #12 on: February 27, 2010, 03:48:20 PM »
I got 5 of them when Tim pointed them out.  They are ok and with them being in front of the hammer, they really are "handi". ;) :D  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline guns-o-fun

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #13 on: February 28, 2010, 03:25:10 AM »
I have a wide variety of scopes - for me it depends on what the capabilities of the rifle are as well as total weight.  I've got leupolds, nikon's, pentax, weavers, and banners and one of the better simmons scopes.  Don't much like the less expensive simmons scopes.  There are places where you can get a longer shot around here - but mostly, you can't shoot more than 50-60 yards without hitting a tree, sometimes a lot less.  My 500 wears a 1.75-4X banner shotgun scope and that is fine for that short-range thumper.  Mostly, like CW says, I look for the most scope I can afford along with trying to match it to the capabilities of the gun.  I don't have any smaller objective (20 mm) scopes - my eyes are just too weak anymore when it comes to very shady spots in the woods.  I just use somewhat higher rings to make the occular clear the hammer.  I guess the 20s would be fine for the range, though.

Offline spikehorn

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2010, 04:35:28 AM »
I've been getting away from the banners because of not being able to mount them low. Simmons pro diamond 4X32, Nikon pro staff 2X7X32 shotgun scope and Nikon pro staff 3X9X40. My Tracker II 20ga has a Tru Glo 2X red dot on a weaver #62 and that sits in front of the hammer.
308 win                 45-70                       12ga         
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Offline carbineman

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #15 on: February 28, 2010, 12:52:52 PM »
The new Redfield does warrant checking and the more I read about them, the next time I get my coins right, I'll have to try one.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #16 on: February 28, 2010, 01:37:29 PM »
I added some more links to the thread in the Optics forum, Redfield sent me an email with a bunch of reviews.

Tim
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #17 on: February 28, 2010, 02:14:58 PM »
My favorite Handi Scope is the 2-7X32 Nikon Prostaff.  Inexpensive, perfect optics, and tough as heck.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline Slufoot

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #18 on: February 28, 2010, 03:35:08 PM »
Ditto what CW said!!!! The quality of glass trumps the size of cheap glass every time. If you ever use a VX-III, 1.5-5X20mm scope I guarantee you will be surprised at the low light capability.

Tim, I've been trying to find a Winchester Hammer spur and really got exited when you posted the link to Midway. I clicked the link only to find that they are out of stock and they have been discontinued from the manufacturer. Bummer :(

GOOD SHOOTING!
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #19 on: February 28, 2010, 03:37:40 PM »
No sense putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #20 on: February 28, 2010, 03:47:33 PM »
Tim, I've been trying to find a Winchester Hammer spur and really got exited when you posted the link to Midway. I clicked the link only to find that they are out of stock and they have been discontinued from the manufacturer. Bummer :(

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Sorry for the deception, there was a discussion recently on using a similar hammer extension by Traditions, but I don't know how that turned out, I'm not positive, but I think Spikehorn was one of the members that was going to try it.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Spanky

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #21 on: February 28, 2010, 04:11:34 PM »
No sense putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse.

I agree. I can't see spending more for a scope than the rifle cost.
My little 2.5x20 simmons works for me.


Spanky

Offline spikehorn

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #22 on: February 28, 2010, 04:30:47 PM »
Tim, I've been trying to find a Winchester Hammer spur and really got exited when you posted the link to Midway. I clicked the link only to find that they are out of stock and they have been discontinued from the manufacturer. Bummer :(

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Sorry for the deception, there was a discussion recently on using a similar hammer extension by Traditions, but I don't know how that turned out, I'm not positive, but I think Spikehorn was one of the members that was going to try it.

Tim

Yeah that was me I haven't tried it yet. Dinny tried one on the bbl release side and said that he still had to modify the bbl release. I have all my hammer extensions on the non bbl release side so there shouldn't be any issue, but I'll let you know
308 win                 45-70                       12ga         
30-30                    223 stainless steel   20ga TDC
44 mag                  Tracker II 20ga        20ga
45-70 Manlicher     20ga USH                28ga
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #23 on: February 28, 2010, 04:33:24 PM »
No sense putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse.

I agree. I can't see spending more for a scope than the rifle cost.
My little 2.5x20 simmons works for me.


Spanky

The easy solution to that is spend more for the H&R, a custom rebore or stub ought to get the cost ratio back in proper proportion!!  ;D

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline noyb72

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #24 on: February 28, 2010, 04:40:18 PM »
No sense putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse.

This one makes no sense to me when discussing firearms. If you have a $50,000,000.00 rifle capable of killing an elk at 300 yards, but your $50.00 optics aren't high enough quality to allow you to aim that far, then you may as well use the rifle as a walking stick, it will help while your wiping the tears from your eyes and snot from your nose. If you have a $200.00 rifle capable of killing an elk at 400 yards, and a $50,000,000.00 scope that will let you make the shot, then you had better have a strong back because your freezer is about to be full.

Ron

Offline necchi

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #25 on: February 28, 2010, 04:40:58 PM »
No sense putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse.

But if/when the horse founders, you'll still have YOUR saddle.
found elsewhere

Offline Slufoot

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #26 on: February 28, 2010, 05:46:57 PM »
No sense putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse.

Actually, a $400 Leupold on a $250 Handi-Rifle would equate to a $16.25 saddle for the $10 horse.
I've also never heard of a saddle with a forever warranty, no matter who the original owner was the Leupold will be covered.
You also have to feed your horse and it's been a rough winter. At $2.50 per square bale of hay, you soon have more in the horse than you do your saddle.
With ammo prices at an all time high and if you enjoy shooting, you will soon have more in your Handi than you will your scope.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Offline zoner

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #27 on: March 01, 2010, 02:16:18 AM »
i agree with spanky....i really like the 2.5x20mm simmons shotgun scope on the pistol caliber rifles

Offline Tom Threetoes

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #28 on: March 01, 2010, 03:09:49 AM »
Just to add to the cheap vs. expensive argument.... I had a Simmons scope go bad, it took about 2 months to get it fixed (actually replaced by a different model after sending it back again) Recently sent a Leupold back for service and got it back in 2 weeks!

Offline Swampman

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Re: Scoping your H&R/NEF
« Reply #29 on: March 01, 2010, 03:15:31 AM »
I'd rather have a Nikon Prostaff or a Bushnell.  Great scopes!
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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